Senior DFT Methodology Engineer

NVIDIA Gruppe; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 311,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Equity

Job summary

NVIDIA seeks a Senior DFT Methodology Engineer to architect and develop test methodologies for next-generation silicon, ensuring testability, debugability, and security from bring-up. You will collaborate across RTL, timing, physical design, software, and production to balance cost and quality.

The role requires 10+ years in SoC architecture, RTL design, and verification with strong scripting skills and a drive to mentor others.

Qualifications

• BS/MS Electrical or Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience) with proven DFT experience.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in SoC architecture, RTL design, and verification.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using vendor tools to verify and validate test patterns on complex designs.
• Exposure to cross functional areas including RTL & clocks design, STA, place-n-route and power.

Responsibilities

• Own and work with cross functional teams, implementing state-of-the-art designs in test access mechanisms and DFX security methodology.
• Partner with timing, physical design, software, bring-up, and production teams to trade off cost and quality.
• Architect, develop and deploy DFT methodologies for RTL design, verification, pattern generation with multiple teams.
• Mentor junior engineers on test designs and trade-offs including cost and quality.

Skills

SoC architecture

RTL design

Verification

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS/MS Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Perl

Python

Tcl

Job description

We are now looking for a Senior DFT Methodology Engineer! As a Senior DFT Methodology Engineer, you will architect and develop the test methodologies that make our next generation of silicon testable, debuggable, and secure from the very first bring-up. NVIDIA has crafted creative solutions for DFT architecture, verification, and post-silicon validation on some of the industry’s most complex semiconductor chips. This powerful technology changed modern computer graphics and parallel computing.

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can tackle, and that matter to the world. This is our life’s work, to amplify human imagination and intelligence. Make the choice to join us today. Design-for-Test Engineering at NVIDIA works on groundbreaking innovations involving crafting creative solutions for DFT architecture, verification and post-silicon validation on some of the industry's most complex semiconductor chips.

What you'll be doing:

• As a member in our team, you will own and work with cross functional teams, implementing state-of-the-art designs in test access mechanisms, I1149.1, I1500, I1687, 1838, memory BIST, memory dump and DFX security methodology.
• You will partner closely with timing, physical design, software, bring-up, and production teams to make the right trade-offs between cost and quality.
• In addition, you will help architect, develop and deploy DFT methodologies for our next generation products including RTL design, Verification, pattern generation, partnering with teams like timing, physical design, software, bringup, production.
• You will also help mentor junior engineers on test designs and trade-offs including cost and quality.

What we need to see:

• BS/MS Electrical or Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience) in related domain with proven DFT experience
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in SoC architecture, RTL design, and verification.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using vendor tools to verify and validate test patterns and logic on highly complex, multi-million-gate designs.
• Good exposure to cross functional areas including RTL & clocks design, STA, place-n-route and power, to ensure we are making the right trade-offs
• Experience in Silicon debug and bring-up on the ATE with an understanding of pattern formats, failure processing, and test program development
• Exceptional written and oral interpersonal skills with the curiosity to work on rare challenges

Ways to Stand out from the Crowd:

• Knowledge of DFT security and hardware system security is a plus.
• Strong programming and scripting skills in Perl, Python, or Tcl.
• Proven track record of successfully deploying advanced DFT methodologies in groundbreaking semiconductor technologies.
• Experience mentoring engineers and driving methodology adoption across multiple product generations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to overcoming technical challenges.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to apply your DFT and SoC architecture expertise to some of the industry’s most complex and impactful semiconductor designs. At NVIDIA, your ideas will help shape energy-efficient compute platforms used by scientists, engineers, creators, and gamers around the world. You’ll grow alongside world-class engineering teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values innovation, excellence, determination, and teamwork. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities to advance your career.

#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4, and 196,000 USD - 310,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until September 22, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.